The secret behind the renewed interest in Star-Lord isn't that complicated. After Marvel reintroduced the character in 2006, he got a sweet mask with glowing red-orange eyes, and BOOM — now he has his own movie.

Sci-fi masks are cool. (How else do you explain the popularity of Boba Fett?) And two new stills from "Guardians of the Galaxy" feature Chris Pratt in the movie version of the mask.

It's nice to see Star-Lord actually wearing his headgear, since it wouldn't be terribly surprising if Marvel came up with an excuse to keep him out of it and better display Pratt's handsome face on-screen.

If I had to guess, I'd say these photos come after the big jail break that brings the members of the Guardians together. Peter Quill is out of his prison yellows and reclaiming his space outlaw gear.

Now that Star-Lord's mask is finally getting some love, here's to hoping we see a lot more of it when "Guardians of the Galaxy" opens in theaters on August 1.

Can this movie please just open already? I'm tired of being way too excited for it.